A Family Friendly and Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 
It didn’t seem all that thrilling to me to drive up a mountain just to see the world’s biggest tree. I wasn’t expecting great wheelchair accessibility at Sequoia and Kings, but I thought we could at least do a quick drive-by. We made it a part of our itinerary because we were in the area and we were looking for outdoor activities.
I was wrong (both about it being on the way and about it not being a huge deal), and I cannot recommend these parks to you enough. There is something incredibly humbling about the majesty of a 2,200 year old tree that makes everything else you’ve ever seen seem small.
More importantly, the park is a whole lot more than one big tree. It’s countless wonders in fresh mountain air. It’s a different kind of beauty, a different kind of quiet, and a different kind of exploring.
When to Go
I imagine the park is stunning any time of year (I bet those red trees in white snow are breath-taking!), but it’s definitely most accessible in the late spring and summer months. The elevation leads to long-lasting snow and rough roads.
Getting There and Around
Flying in
While the Fresno-Yosemite Airport is closest, Los Angeles (LAX) runs much better deals. If you’re making a road trip out of it, San Diego and San Francisco also run great specials. If you have more than one home airport, make sure you check flights from both. I found it was cheaper from one of ours to LA, and from the other to SF (so we booked one way and used both!).
Renting a Car
If you’re doing a trip through the parks of California, you’re going to want your own vehicle. There are great shuttles and tours within the parks, but they don’t take you everywhere – or cover the distance between parks.
We rented a car from the airport. You can save money by renting in town, but you also lose the convenience of being able to pick up your car straight off the plane. Rental cars are insanely expensive in this world of Covid-recovery. Make that the first reservation you make! I suggest booking through Priceline. I’ve found them consistently lower than anywhere else. If that doesn’t work out, I know a lot of people have been booking through Costco or even using U-haul to get around!
Also, consider driving something different than you normally would. When we booked, the special was on SUV’s. They were half the price of economy cars. It wouldn’t have been our first choice, but I’m glad I didn’t filter by vehicle choice and could cut our cost by half.
Entering the Park
You can enter Sequoia National Park from either the north or south entrance and drive the majority of the park toward the other entrance/exit. We entered from the south, because we were coming from LA. Regardless of which direction you enter from, know that it’s a long drive before you make it to any of the “main” attractions. We climbed the mountain for an hour, on twisty roads (Dramamine recommended), before we got to the museum and trails.
There’s a second south entrance you can access by turning right shortly before the main park entrance. This is a shorter in and out with fewer trails and amenities, so it didn’t make it into our limited time frame. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting.
Kings Canyon is an in and out. You’ll enter from the west, and then return out the same way you came in. This is a much easier, and shorter, road.
Getting a Wheelchair
If you’re not traveling with your own, you can pick up a free loaner at the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, the Giant Forest Museum or Lodgepole Visitor Center. Wheelchairs are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs must be returned to the location they were borrowed from.
What to See
General Sherman
General Sherman is the main attraction for a reason. While I don’t suggest you stop here, I also don’t think you should miss it. Handicap parking is just south of the trail head. It’s an easy, paved trail that takes you about ten minutes in to the tree. There will be a line for photos at this on; but, I’m telling you, it’s going to blow you away.
Tunnel Log
This is where those pictures are taken of cars driving through a giant fallen tree. You can drive your car through, or park and roll/walk through, or both! Either way, it’s an easily accessible experience.
The road through Tunnel Rock is open to vehicles with a handicap placard even when closed to other private vehicles in summer. The shuttles are also wheelchair accessible, but not running for the 2021 season.
Giant Forest
The Giant Forest is actually unavoidable if you’re driving up from the south, since it’s a drive-through along the way. Just bee sure to head down that far if you come in from the north.
Big Trees Trail
Big Trees Trail was a beautiful combination of meadow, rock, and giant trees. There are educational signs along the trail to help you learn about the Sequoias and the other nature, wildlife, and history of thee region. The handicap parking is right by the paved trail head, which leads to an elevated boardwalk path. The full loop is less than a mile and has plenty of pull-offs and resting points, making it perfect for younger kids.
Kings Canyon Vistas
The bulk of Kings Canyon can be seen via the pull-offs. In-between parks, there’s also an accessible loop trail behind the Princess campground. Panoramic Point also offers a half mile, paved trail leading to views of the Sierra Nevada wilderness.
Morro Rock and Crystal Cave are the other main highlights of thee park, but both require A LOT of steps. You may still enjoy the drive past Morro Rock to the Crescent Meadow, but there’s no need to get out of your car.
Our itinerary had us heading north. After we stopped at the overlook, we turned right to do the tunnel log, then back to the main road for Big Trees Trail and General Sherman – in that order.
What to Do
In addition to breath-taking drives and awe inspiring hikes, the park typically also has informative museums and visitor’s centers. While you can still connect with a ranger at the Visitor’s Centers, the indoor displays and museums are closed for the 2021 season. Restrooms are still available. There are wheelchair accessible restrooms at all restroom locations. All visitor’s centers are accessible, with the exception of Cedar Grove and Mineral King Ranger Station. At the moment, these locations are still fine for stopping with questions, since the ranger is set up outside.
For more seasonal suggestions, check out ExploreBetter‘s experience focused itineraries.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking to stay in the park, both Wuksachi Lodge and John Muir Lodge have accessible rooms. Options are limited, so booking in advance is suggested. Most campgrounds also have a limited number of accessible campsites.
We stayed outside the park. There are not many options immediately outside of the park, but if you head a little farther out you can find the usual wheelchair-friendly chains. We stayed in Bakersfield, because we were heading up from LA, and had a positive experience at the Four Points.
What to Eat
Pack a lunch! There is food available at the park lodges, but locations are limited and it’s difficult to map a day of hiking so precisely as to arrive when hungry! Most picnic areas have wheelchair accessible options.
Drop me a note after you visit and let me know if you loved it! With California re-opening, now is a great time to visit. The parks were less crowded when we visited, and the only time our masks were required was in the restrooms. It was an overall excellent experience. We were able to see most things from our vehicle and we loved the hike we did.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Yosemite National Park. More accessible National Parks inspiration, here!
